Newcastle United have not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager, according to an official statement.

Hundreds of angry fans descended on St James' Park earlier following widespread reports Keegan had left.

But the club said in a statement on its official website: "Newcastle United can confirm that meetings between members of the Board and manager Kevin Keegan were held both yesterday and today.

"Kevin has raised a number of issues and those have been discussed with him.

"The Club wants to keep progressing with its long-term strategy and would like to stress that Kevin is extremely important, both now and in the future.

"Newcastle United values the effort and commitment shown by Kevin since his return to St. James' Park and wants him to continue to play an instrumental role as manager of the Club. For the avoidance of doubt the Club has not sacked Kevin Keegan as manager."

Speculation has been rife that a split between owner Mike Ashley and the popular Keegan had forced the manager to walk away.

The former England boss returned to the club for a second spell as manager eight months ago but bookies earlier stopped taking bets on his departure.

There were reports Keegan felt undermined after Dennis Wise and other directors were appointed when he took over from former Toon boss Sam Allardyce.

Keegan walked out on the club in January 1997 when he was manager, citing off-pitch interference.

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